KUCHING: A free home inspection allegedly turned into a thousands-of-ringgit bill for some homeowners, with three Chinese nationals now in custody over suspected involvement in an unlicensed home repair operation and alleged scams.
They were arrested during a joint operation by the Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) and the Sarawak Immigration Department yesterday (Aug 19), following complaints about individuals allegedly using a similar modus operandi to offer home repair services.
The suspects were unable to produce valid identification documents or work permits when detained.
Based on the complaints, the individuals allegedly advertised their services on Facebook, offering homeowners free inspections before claiming that their properties had leakage problems.
PPS president Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping said they would then allegedly recommend a purported “new technology” repair method involving the drilling of small holes and injecting a certain liquid into them.
“Homeowners were subsequently charged thousands of ringgit, with payments allegedly made into personal bank accounts.
“However, some complainants claimed that the individuals became unreachable after receiving payment, while the alleged leakage problems persisted,” he said.
The claims took an even more suspicious turn when PPS observed one of the workers inspecting a house that was in good condition and had no leakage.
During the observation, water was deliberately placed around the sink before the worker carried out an inspection using a device.
The worker then allegedly claimed that a leak had been detected, despite the house having no known leakage problem. He proceeded to drill a small hole and inject liquid into it.
He added that PPS had received several complaints involving a similar modus operandi and had referred some cases to the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) for further investigation.
“One case had resulted in RM3,000 in compensation being recovered following action taken after the matter was referred to Sarawak CCID.
“We strongly oppose anyone carrying out work without valid documents or licences and taking advantage of consumers. Regardless of who they are or where they come from, if they are proven to have cheated consumers, this cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
Ong advised consumers to verify the identity and background of service providers, obtain written quotations, be cautious about making payments into personal bank accounts and retain evidence such as advertisements, WhatsApp messages, photographs, videos and payment receipts.
The three suspects have been detained for further investigation, while authorities continue to probe their immigration status and the alleged home repair operation.
